Melanie Mitchell Books

No recent scientific enterprise has been so alluring, terrifying, and filled with extravagant promise and frustrating setbacks as artificial intelligence. How intelligent are the best of today's AI programs? To what extent can we entrust them with decisions that affect our lives? How human-like do we expect them to become, and how soon do we need to worry about them surpassing us in most, if not all, human endeavours? From leading AI researcher and award-winning author Melanie Mitchell comes a knowledgeable and captivating account of modern-day artificial intelligence. Flavoured with personal stories and a twist of humour, Artificial Intelligence illuminates the workings of machines that mimic human learning, perception, language, creativity and common sense. Weaving together advances in AI with cognitive science and philosophy, Mitchell probes the extent to which today's 'smart' machines can actually think or understand, and whether AI requires such elusive human qualities in order to be reliable, trustworthy and beneficial. Artificial Intelligence- A Guide for Thinking Humans provides readers with an accessible, entertaining and clear-eyed view of the AI landscape, what the field has actually accomplished, how much further it has to go and what it means for all of our futures.

Explore the intriguing process of maple syrup production, from planting sugar maple trees to the delightful moment of pouring syrup on pancakes. This book takes readers through each step of the food production cycle, making it an engaging and educational experience. Perfect for curious minds, it invites readers to discover how one thing transforms into another in the Start to Finish series.

This touchable book is perfect for bedtime! Feel the soft, fluffy fur of each animal as you say, "good night!"

A simple introduction to earth's single moon.

Beginning readers will enjoy exploring the shared traits of various animals, discovering intriguing connections to human characteristics. The engaging content is complemented by vibrant full-color photographs, making the learning experience visually appealing. Additionally, the book aligns with language arts and science curriculum standards, enhancing its educational value.

A fascinating look at the exciting new sciences of complexity and what they reveal about everything from ant colonies to the World Wide Web, now available in paperback

Genetic algorithms serve as adaptive tools for solving practical problems and as models of natural evolutionary systems. This accessible introduction explores intriguing research in the field while guiding readers to implement and experiment with genetic algorithms themselves. It delves into key topics, especially in machine learning, scientific modeling, and artificial life, and reviews a wide range of research, including the contributions of Mitchell and her colleagues. Applications extend beyond computer science to encompass dynamical systems theory, game theory, molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and population genetics, highlighting the versatile nature of genetic algorithms as search methods applicable across various disciplines. The text is suitable for students and researchers in any scientific field, featuring numerous thought and computer exercises that reinforce understanding. The first chapter introduces genetic algorithms and their terminology, detailing two provocative applications. The subsequent chapters examine their use in machine learning (including data analysis and neural networks) and scientific models (covering learning, evolution, culture, and ecosystems). The fourth chapter discusses theoretical approaches, the fifth focuses on implementation, and the final chapter addresses unanswered questions and future prospects in evolutionary computation.

This book explores the fascinating process of transforming maple sap into syrup, providing a detailed look at each step from tapping the trees to bottling the final product. It offers insights into the seasonal changes in nature, the importance of maple trees, and the techniques used in syrup production. Engaging illustrations complement the informative text, making it an educational resource for young readers interested in agriculture and food production.

Focused on enhancing the skills of dental assistants, this guide serves as an essential resource for identifying dental instruments and understanding their uses. It features full-color photos, illustrations, and practical information on instrument placement and varieties. A standout element is the accompanying CD-ROM, offering interactive learning tools such as an image bank, tray set-ups, quizzes, and games, which help students gain confidence in a simulated clinical environment before engaging with real patients.